Poor collet condition accounts for the majority of the problems encountered: poor surface finishes, shorter tool life, abnormal machining noises, etc.
Perfect machining is only possible when every element in the clamping chain (spindle, chuck, collet) is in perfect condition.

MAINTAINING SPRING COLLETS

During machining, chips and dust particles lodge inside collets. For this reason, collets must be well maintained. We recommend that you systematically clean the collet and the tool holder carefully at every tool changeover. Apply a rust inhibiting product to collets before putting them in storage. (remember to remove this product before reusing the collet).

SERVICE LIFE OF COLLETS

Collets are wear parts and as such must be replaced regularly. They lose their elasticity and are marked by the various tools they come into contact with. As a preventive measure, we recommend replacing them approximately every 500 hours. Well-serviced collets may last much longer. A collet must be replaced if the tool it was holding broke, since this would mark the collet and make the runout incompatible with high quality machining.

GOOD CLAMPING PRACTICES

The tool must be held by as much of the collet’s gripping surface as possible; at least 80 % of the length of the collet. This lets the tool rotate concentrically and limits vibrations that have an adverse effect on cutting quality.